Five Questions About Air Force Football

Senior Arion Worthman has 25 career starts under his belt and plenty of experience in service academy contests, but might not start against Navy on Saturday. (Dougal Brownlie/The Gazette via AP) (Dougal Brownlie / AP)

Q: Air Force has used three different quarterbacks so far this season. In your opinion, which one gives the Falcons the best chance to win? Who do you expect to see on Saturday?

A: Hard to offer a short answer to this one. A sophomore version of Arion Worthman would probably be the best option, but that was two years ago. For whatever reason, his effectiveness has trended the wrong direction over the past two years and he's probably the No. 3 choice now. I am guessing Isaiah Sanders draws the start, and he's been solid in his three extended performances so far. Donald Hammond III was intriguing last week and is the popular choice around here because of an exciting skill set. I haven't seen enough of Hammond to say he's gives the team a definitive edge over Sanders, but he sure is a fun talent.

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Q: Air Force has scored a non-offensive touchdown in all four games this season. Do you see that trend continuing against Navy? If so, what type of touchdown do you think it will be - defensive or special teams?

A: Those plays have been crazy. A pick six from a linebacker, a blocked punt, a ball simply ripped away from a kickoff returner and then a 99-yard interception return two snaps after replay took away a Nevada touchdown. I don't think you can plan on those kind of plays continuing, but you can to put yourself in the right position to increase the odds.

Q: Air Force has several notable offensive weapons, including fullback Cole Fagan, tailback Kadin Remsberg and wide receiver Ronald Cleveland. Obviously, whoever starts at quarterback is also in that mix. Who do you see being a difference-maker on Saturday?

A: I think Remsberg is the one to watch. He has elite speed but hasn't been able to break free and really show it yet. Cleveland is always involved in a few big plays each game, and Fagan has been solid in the first season he's received playing time. But Remsberg, who will likely draw his third career start, has the skills to be a difference-maker and is probably about due to bust loose.

Q: Air Force football has lost five of its last six games dating back to last season. Do you sense the program is backsliding a bit?

A: I think that's an accurate assessment. Half of the past six seasons have ended with losing records, and now the team is off to a 1-3 start (with no relief in sight on the schedule). I should mention that the other three seasons in that time have included a pair of 10-win years and a Mountain Division championship in the Mountain West, so it's not a dire situation. Clearly consistency has become harder and harder for the team to attain.

Q: Is there any sense among the Air Force faithful that the Troy Calhoun era has run its course? Could a second straight losing season increase the pressure on the 12th-year head coach?

A: I've never heard anyone suggest that's the case, but at some point if attendance continues to drop and the losses keep piling up that will become an issue. Also, Air Force hasn't yet hired a replacement at athletic director (they dropped the interim label from Col. Jen Block, but by all indications there is still a push to bring in someone else). A new AD may see that as an opportunity to put a stamp on the athletic department. But at this point, I think Calhoun's overall body of work has kept him insulated from any such pressure.